Last week's talks were about substance abuse: acute management and harm reduction. Good talks, full of useful information but the handouts were a little to bulky for my liking...try something that can be taken in with one or two glances rather than a page that requires reading. Have a look at this as an example. This would probably be the equivalent of all the talks at a Friday meeting.
What pearls have I taken away from these talks? (if I've missed a good one just add it to the comments section)
Myocardial sensitisation to catecholamines with solvent inhalation: aim for calm and quiet surroundings, monitor cardiac rhythm and use sedation if necessary. The acute effects should have worn off by 6 hours , and if not consider a complication such as myocarditis.
In acute alcohol withdrawal there is no one-size-fits-all regime. The benzodiazepine dosing must be titrated to control withdrawal but avoid over sedation. SIPS scoring is a good way to do this but if not in use you will have to use some common sense. (It's certainly better than using none.)
Identifying alcohol misuse in patients presenting with other conditions is important. A reported alcohol intake less than the recommended level does not exclude abuse. Be aware, ask more detailed questions (eg CAGE) if you are suspicious.
Further reading
Alcohol - problem drinking
Opiod dependence
Next week's two minute talks will be about Parkinson's disease:
Diagnosis
Management
Problems with treatment
This time try to have visual rather than written handouts. If you want to give out lists, just tell us where to find them e.g. more information at www.listsofcauses.com.
The discussion for Tuesday will be "Should doctor's who see prisoners insist hand-cuffs are removed?" You may want to read Restraint of detainees in NHS facilities.
MJM
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